Justise Winslow

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By The Numbers: Justise Winslow

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2015 Draft Prospect Gallery: Justise Winslow

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Justise Winslow (Duke | Freshman | Forward)

HT: 6'7" | WT:  229 lbs. | Wingspan: 6'10" | 19 years old

2014-15 Stats: 12.6 PPG | 6.5 RPG | 48.5 FG% | 41.1 3P%

Winslow doesn’t fit the profile of a traditional top-5 pick, but after helping lead Duke to a national title during as a freshman, he’s forced his way into the conversation.

He wasn't a big-time scorer, but his defensive prowess and offensive versatility were unmistakable during his tournament run, in which he averaged 14.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. By the time the Blue Devils cut down the nets in Indianapolis, Winslow had established himself the perhaps the most indispensible player on a team that also featured potential No. 1 pick Jahlil Okafor and star guard Tyus Jones.

“He was an amazing factor for our success in winning the national championship,” said Mike Krzyzewski, who began recruiting Winslow years ago as the Houston native came up through USA Basketball.

Being able to guard multiple positions has always been an asset in the NBA, but a recent trend of hybrid forwards (Draymond Green, Kawhi Leonard) and combo guards (Jimmy Butler, James Harden) being utilized for their versatility bodes well for players like Winslow who can add value in so many different ways.

Nominally a small forward, Winslow's NBA-ready frame will help him add value immediately. He’s an impact defender that could reasonably be expected to guard three positions -- maybe even four -- as he develops. Against Wisconsin in the national championship game, he could be seen stifling 6-foot-9 Sam Dekker and National Player of the Year, skilled 7-footer Frank Kaminsky -- both projected 1st round picks.

He has the quickness to stay in front of ballhandlers, the toughness to defend the post, and the smarts to help his teammates all over the floor. Few manage to stand out with their individual defense, but Winslow has the potential to do that as a pro.

Winslow’s NBA ceiling will ultimately depend on his scoring potential against the best competition, but his development over the course of his freshman season is encouraging.

He has a quick first step, which he uses to attack in isolation and draw fouls, getting to the free throw line 5.5 times per 40 minutes. Questions about his jump shot arose as he shot 32 percent from three in January, but as he recovered from nagging rib and shoulder injuries, he found his stroke and knocked down 46 percent of his attempts from downtown from February on. Winslow continued to show comfort with the jumper during the tournament, cashing in on defenses that overplayed Okafor in the post or Jones' penetration.

He’s just a stat-stuffer in the best way, always making plays for himself or his teammates; he'll be a force on the glass (8.9 rebounds per 40 minutes at Duke) and his assist rate (13.2 percent) is far superior to last year’s top two picks as freshmen, fellow wings Andrew Wiggins (9.2) and Jabari Parker (8.6). 

Winslow helped his draft stock as much as any player in March, but NBA scouts have known for years what he brings to the table. He does whatever it takes to help his team win, and seeing his offensive evolution and all-around impact come together like it has offers hope that he could step into the NBA and contribute right away. At the Combine in May, he said he expects to become a better isolation scorer at the next level as a result of improved floor spacing and driving lanes created by illegal defense rules.

Any team could use a guy like Winslow, who digs in on defense and doesn’t need the ball to contribute on offense. He rebounds (7.0 per 40 minutes, which was 3rd best among wings in DraftExpress’ top 100 prospects) and plays hard all the time. The complete package would make him a nice fit for the Knicks, who, as Carmelo Anthony said, are looking for “good players,” regardless of position.

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2015 Draft Prospect Profile: Justise Winslow

NBA Draft Combine Day 2: Russell, Winslow, Cauley-Stein Talk Knicks

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CHICAGO -- When Knicks GM Steve Mills chatted with the media on Thursday, he discussed the organization's goals during this crucial offseason evaluation period. Throughout the afternoon, we got to meet a handful of projected lottery picks and found out some of the names that have met with Phil Jackson, Mills and Co. so far.

Friday's featured even more talented players who could be in consideration as New York narrows down its draft board. Here are some of the highlights from Day 2 of the NBA Combine at the Quest Multiplex in Chicago.